96 km X-Ride the ultimate test of fitness and perseverance

Namibian ace rider, Costa Seibeb did it again winning the first X-Ride event held the previous weekend on the gravel roads from Kupferberg near Windhoek to Lake Oanob near Rehoboth.

With rain and windy conditions on the day of the race, 200 cyclists lined up for the start of the first X-Ride over 96km of the most beautiful Namibian scenery.

Seibeb won the Elite Men’s category in a blistering time of 3:12:31 followed closely by Xavier Papo with a time of 3:18:50 and Drikus Coetzee coming in third with a time of 3:31:14.

The title of Elite Women’s winner went to Michelle Vorster with a time of 3:35:08, followed by Irene Steyn with a time of 3:56:48 and Michelle Doman in third postion with 4:10:07.

Vorster is the 2017 X-Ride Queen of Gravel and Mountain. Xavier Papo earned the title King of the Gravel with Costa Seibeb crowned the King of the Mountain.

Over the last few years, mountainbike as a competitive sport has grown by staggering numbers, evidenced by the turn-out for the X-Ride. Many accomplished riders competed with many news faces making their appearances.

Conditions were particularly harsh and many riders had to throw in the towel but over the course of the next 6 hours the majority of Namibian riders persevered and conquered. Some competed against the clock, some against their co-athletes and some just to boast that they have completed this gruelling mountain and gravel furnace.

The last 20km was a blur of motion, with the leading pack fighting for a spot on the podium and the coveted title of victor. With the finish line in sight, the final push began.

The X-Ride was sponsored by Hollard Namibia.

Pictured from left to right are riders Brendan Dickerson, Michelle Vorster, Costa Seibeb and Johan Pretorius of Hollard.